Plymouth - America's Hometown

05/07/2025

26/06/2025

Al’s Family Saves the Day: No Need to Throw Your Kettle Away!

Article and photos by Tara Woomer

Al Chisholm, owner of Al's Jams formerly known as Al's Backwoods Berrie Company, was just about ready to hang up his jam ladle for good when serendipity and family saved the day.

“I was almost ready to give my kettle away!” said Al.

An absolute artist, craftsman, connoisseur, and flavor genius in the jam world, Al built his jam business from scratch. After a lifetime spent long haul trucking, Al turned his talents to standing at the stove. With ladle in hand, a twinkle in his eye, and a flavor palate that could rival any five star chef, Al concocted jams of every flavor that turned people into jam groupies. One customer on the Cape told Al she had to hide the jam inside of an empty mayonnaise jar to protect it from her mayonnaise hating jam fiend of a husband!

One has to think that Al could take even an old leather boot and somehow turn that into a top selling jam. After thousands upon thousands of jam filled jars, farmer’s markets, craft fairs, road trips to sell the jam, online orders that were clogging up his kitchen, and the demand of it all, Al was ready to walk away from his jams for good.

In walked fate, family, and a fresh new take on a phenomenal product.

“It was perfect timing. Now we divide and conquer. It’s about teamwork,” said David Anderson, Al’s nephew and new business partner.

Along with Al and David, David’s wife Melanie rounds out their team. An incredibly talented at-home baker and owner of Boss10 Cupcakes, Melanie now creates all sorts of breads, cookies, cakes, rolls, and whatever goodies she thinks will pair well with Al’s jams.

“Jam isn’t just for toast. You can use it in so many different ways. I make an apple braided bread that goes well with Al’s Apple Pie Jam. There are so many different things to do with jam!” said Melanie.

With over 90 flavors of jam, locally sourced honey, a recipe book, and flavored seasonings, Al’s store is packed to the brim with everything you need to up your grilling, cooking, snacking, baking, and charcuterie game. Some of Al’s best sellers are his Spicy Mango Charcuterie Spread, Raspberry Rum Jam, Apple Butter, Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, and Pineapple Coconut Jalapeno Jam.

Al and his team have partnered with Plymouth Bay Winery, and they have made different flavors of jam based on the winery’s offerings. The winery also uses Al’s jams on small nibbles when guests are sampling wines.

Formerly known as Al's Backwoods Berrie Co., the team has rebranded the business into Al’s Jams. Melanie is in charge of their Insta, Tik Tok, and Facebook accounts, and they have joined the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce in order to connect with other local businesses in the community.

They will be at area farmer’s markets, fairs, festivals, and pop-ups, so please contact them for their upcoming schedule. They would love to partner with local businesses, so if you have some ideas of how you can incorporate Al’s Jams into your offerings, please contact the team. Baking classes and jam making classes may be offered in the future.

“It’s been a group effort. We all take part in marketing, cooking, bringing in new ideas, and making them happen. We would love to work with people on baby showers, bridal showers, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and custom gifts. We make custom labels as well,” said David.

The team has also partnered with the Omni Seaport Hotel, and if you are ever in Boston enjoying some of their waffles, it will be Al’s jam that tops your breakfast!

At the end of the day, although their new venture is a ton of work, the team would not have it any other way.

“We all do something different and give each other creative opportunities. We’re always thinking of new flavors. When some of the old timers taste my jam, they say they haven’t had anything like it since their mother died. One woman sampled my peach butter, and told me that I made her cry. She said, ‘I put it on some Jewish rye bread, took a bite, and then I saw my mother,’” said Al.

Their goal is to stay local, stay small batch, and continue to branch out into the community with partnerships and collaboration.

“We put the jam in the jars, we do the labeling, and we make our own stuff. There’s a lot of love and care that goes into each jar,” said Al.
Transcendent indeed is Al’s jam whether it’s Strawberry Kiwi, Frangelico Peach, or Habanero Thyme. Thank you, Al, David, and Melanie, for continuing to stir the ladle!

*Al’s Jams can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you to Dylan, Ashleigh, and Sizzle for lending your parents to the Al’s Jam team! Al’s Jams is located at 76 Camelot Drive. They are open every day from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday.

31/05/2025

26/05/2025

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

From all of us at America’s Hometown Magazine, we are forever grateful for their courage, dedication, and the freedoms their sacrifice has preserved for us all.

As we gather with family and friends, let’s never forget the true meaning of this day.

20/05/2025

Look Who We Grew Up To Be- Class of 2025 Division I Athletes!

“A team is an immediate friend group!”-Addison Pyy

Article & photos by Tara Woomer, baby/young athlete/high school athlete photos submitted by the moms

For some members of the Class of 2025, part of their journey after graduation will include cross country trails, track & field arenas, and lacrosse nets. We met with the four graduating athletes from Plymouth who will play a Division I sport in college. We also met with their moms to get a small glimpse into what life as a sports mom has been like over the years. Thank you to all of the athletes and their moms for taking the time to pose for photos on a freezing, rainy, windy day and for taking the time to be interviewed. Please keep us posted in the years to come about your accomplishments! We are incredibly proud of all of you!

Sophia Adams, South High, Stonehill College, Cross Country/Track & Field

Sophia Adams originally intended to cheer in college, but a little prompting by Track & Field coach Jeff Tracey altered the course of her sports journey forever. Embraced immediately by the running family that is South Cross Country and Track & Field, Sophia felt right at home. She credits their support with helping her endure the mental challenge of both sports.
She has found another extended family in the running community at Stonehill College where she will study Psychology and Criminology. A career in Forensic Psychology or Law awaits. In her free time, Sophia loves to go to the gym, enjoys Hot Pilates and Hot Yoga, pushes through her HIIT workouts, focuses on healthy eating, and makes sure to get enough sleep. She would like to thank her Track family, her Cross Country family, her parents, Coach Melisse, Coach Tracey, her sister, her brother, and her grandparents.
Sophia’s mom never missed a meet, and Sophia would like to thank her for her unending dedication. She would like to encourage younger students and athletes to stay the course when times get tough.
“Appreciate every moment. Celebrate your success, learn from your disappointments, but don’t take the disappointments as something negative. They are something to grow from. I’m a perfectionist, but I’ve learned that every time I think it’s the end of the world, I always make it through. It was never the end of the world,” said Sophia.

Noah Brilliant, South High, Stonehill College, Cross Country/Track & Field

Football, baseball, lacrosse, basketball…you name it, Noah has played it. Although his elementary school goal was to play basketball for the University of Kentucky, he gravitated towards running as he got older.
“Running is just better for my head. Basketball is a lot more stressful and unpredictable. It’s five people fighting for a spot,” said Noah.
Following in his brother Dylan’s footsteps, Noah is heading to Stonehill College where he will join the running community.
“I’ve kind of grown up with the program at Stonehill. I’ve met all the kids. It’s the nicest community and the nicest kids,” said Noah.
He is especially grateful to all of his teachers at South who have guided him since day one.
“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without them. They set me up for success. Freshman year I didn’t have anything together. They were so supportive,” said Noah.
He would like to thank his family and Coach Melisse, and Noah has some wonderful advice for younger students and athletes.
“Follow your dreams. If you believe in yourself, the sky’s the limit. People doubted me, but that motivated me to be better and to succeed. Be optimistic, and be in the moment,” said Noah.
Noah plans to become a neurologist.

Addison Pyy, North High, Lacrosse, Boston University

Like two peas in a pod, Addison Pyy grew up very close to her big sister Annika.
“My sister played lacrosse, and she inspired me to play. She’s been one hundred percent helpful to me and used to play lacrosse with me in the backyard,” said Addison.
With a wide range of colleges to choose from including Merrimack, Fairfield, BU, URI, and UConn, Addison’s decision was easy once she visited BU. She liked the city feel to the campus yet also liked the proximity to the ocean. She also likes that although it feels far from home, she will only be forty-five minutes away.
“That’s comforting,” said Addison.
She is going to become a nurse or a doctor. In her downtime, Addison likes to go to the beach and the gym. She doesn’t eat a lot of processed foods but instead tries to eat healthy, balanced meals and healthy snacks.
“I like to eat a lot. I play better when I eat. I have to have a full breakfast every day. You have to fuel your body. I love frozen orange chicken, dumplings, yogurt, yogurt drinks, fruit, eggs, bacon, raspberries, and strawberries,” said Addison.
She said she will miss her mom & dad, her stepmom, her sister, her club coach Andrea McKnight, her high school lax coach Rebecca Brady, and her best friend Owen (her dog).She has some great advice for underclassmen and has a special place in her heart for all of the Boston Aces moms.
“Use your sport. It can help you socially. It’s a fun outlet to have a team. It’s an immediate friend group. I would like to thank my club team moms. They are the best. If I could shout out the moms, that would be great. They give us total support, and they treat each kid like their own,” said Addison.

Macey Shriner, North High, Cross Country/Track & Field, Penn State

As a child, Macey Shriner loved soccer, ice skating, and gymnastics. Running eventually became her focus, and she has never looked back.
“I was running a lot, and I realized that I actually enjoy it. I love improving and pushing my limits. I love seeing what I can do, and I’m very competitive. I love the peace of mind I get from running,” said Macey.
She has been a standout since her days running cross country at PCIS. In her free time, she enjoys painting, working on art projects, hiking, surfing, skiing, and rock climbing. She especially loves the problem-solving aspect of rock climbing and the challenge of hiking. She loves to work out at Plymouth Fitness, loves the sauna and steam room, and enjoys swimming and cross training.
Macey is very careful to stay well hydrated and to get plenty of sleep. Her snacks include granola bars, protein bars, packets of tuna post race, and bread with peanut butter before a run. She is especially grateful to her mother who is also her coach.
“My mom has been there the entire time. She’s helped me with college. She’s my support system,” said Macey.
She runs with the Emerging Elites program out of Boston, and she loves the camaraderie of the group.
“There’s a lot of good people there. There’s a group of girls, seven of us, who are so supportive of each other. We help each other. It can be hard to find that kind of a group. We always watch each other’s races,” said Macey.

Mom Quotes

“I would recommend to all the moms of developing athletes out there to let them experience different sports. Don’t tie them into one sport at an early age. Let them participate in town and school sports, get them outside, use the local facilities, get a bunch of kids together, and play!”-Robin Guilfoy Pyy
“The most difficult part about Sophia’s athletic journey is stepping back as a mom who fixes and instead guides with neutrality so that she can increasingly make independent decisions. I hope I’ve done it in a way that Sophia knows I’ve always got her back and am forever her safe space to land anytime, for anything, anywhere forever and always.”-Melinda Adams

“Find your village, and ask for help when needed. Encourage your children to do activities they love. If they are giving you a hard time getting out the door to practice, it might not be the best activity for them. Enjoy the wins, and be supportive with their losses. Moms- don’t forget self-care. Which I can honestly say is a work in progress.”-Deb Brilliant

“It’s crazy and busy and exhausting to have an athlete at this level, but as my daughter prepares to go off to college, I already realize how much I will miss not only watching her compete but also all the craziness that has gone along with the journey- travel; long, hot meets; long, freezing cold meets in the rain; workouts in the dark; and every other condition imaginable!”-Nikole Shriner

Plymouth North High School
Plymouth South High School
Plymouth Public Schools
Stonehill College
Boston University
Penn State

17/05/2025

Wood's Seafood

Grab some lunch or dinner today at Wood's Seafood on the Plymouth Waterfront http://hockomockswampsupperclub.com/where-to-dine-on-the-plymouth-waterfront-woods-seafood/

15/05/2025

Join us for an open house on Friday, May 16 to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of opening our expanded Banking Center in The Pinehills at Rowen!🎉 Meet with Pattie Piva and her team, enjoy refreshments, giveaways and enter for a chance to win prizes. We hope to see you there! ➡ https://www.capecodfive.com/locations/pinehills

25/04/2025

Big news for South Plymouth - Vela Juice Bar is coming for you!!! Very excited to share Vela will be opening a sister location at 2307 State Road in Cedarville. No set opening date yet for “Vela South”, but hoping to launch by late summer! Stay tuned for updates!

With this opportunity for growth, it’s important to hit pause and reflect on how Vela arrived to this moment. Thank you to the Plymouth community, without your support this would not be possible. Biggest shout out to Vela’s amazing crew members, past and present, who make every day fun while creating healthy handcrafted menu items with love and care. To our customers, who have become friends throughout this journey, so much gratitude for supporting local and keeping this dream thriving!

01/04/2025

From First Steps to Finish Lines

What does it take to push through life’s toughest miles both on the track and off? For local running coach and therapist Ken Jeffery, the answer lies in resilience, mindset, and the lessons learned through his own personal struggles. From his journey to sobriety to helping others find strength in adversity, Ken’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in experience. In this article, he shares how persistence shapes both his running and his life.

Ken’s work as a coach and outpatient therapist (LICSW) supports athletes of all ages in developing strong mental and physical foundations. With insights on nutrition, recovery, mental health, and confidence-building, he offers advice for everyone from beginners to seasoned marathoners.

How has your personal journey shaped your approach to coaching?

"Growing up in Plymouth, I had a relatively easy childhood but faced significant challenges in adulthood. I struggled with alcohol and drugs but found my way after getting sober in 2010. Recovery taught me honesty and resilience, lessons I carry into coaching. Athletes need someone to guide them, hear them out, and push them to achieve their goals despite challenges. I remind them that our minds often lie about our limits; accountability and persistence are key."

How do nutrition, recovery time, and mental health play a role in achieving long-term running goals?

"Nutrition is like gasoline for your engine; fuel it right to perform well. Understanding good fats and complex carbs is crucial. Recovery time is also essential. Running stresses your muscles and cardiovascular system, and without rest, you risk injury or burnout. Mental health is equally important. Running can alleviate depression and anxiety by boosting endorphins. It’s about embracing discomfort and pushing past negative thoughts. Even seasoned runners find the first mile tough but often feel great afterward."

You’ve mentioned that running slowly can help runners get faster. How do you introduce this concept to runners?

"Most people think they need to run fast all the time to improve. I explain that building running economy is like strengthening a car engine. Zone running focuses on increasing aerobic output before intense training. This approach reduces injury risk and builds a strong foundation. I also provide a help sheet on aerobic versus anaerobic exercise to clarify this concept."

What advice do you have for someone new to running or returning after a break?

"Be kind to yourself, and take the first step. Self-doubt is a protector, but you need to set it aside and build confidence through action. In 2021, I was out of shape and discouraged. By October 2022, I had lost 40 pounds and completed the Chicago Marathon. None of that would’ve happened without accountability and believing in myself.
My motto, 'From First Steps to Finish Lines,' reflects this journey. Take that first step; you’ll get to the finish line."

“I’ve been with Coach Ken for a few weeks now. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. So far, I’ve run 3 half marathons and completed my first marathon this past September. I thought to myself, ‘I know how to train, I ran a marathon!’ Boy, was I wrong. Training for my marathon, I’d just get in as many miles each run with a long run on Sundays. That was my plan. While it allowed me to complete my marathon, my time was way below my expectation of where I wanted to finish. With Coach Ken, each run has structure, tempo runs, threshold style runs, and zone 2 running. Each workout is personalized to me and my running abilities. My body has never felt this good going into a training block. I’m really excited to continue working with Coach Ken and to hit my personal goals in 2025!”- Teddy H., age 35, marathon runner

“Ken is a remarkable coach in that he uses science-based strategies with SMART goals to realize both short-term and long-term goals. He is always smart and systematic in approach, always tracking and analyzing performance data. He is very motivating, and his own story of athletic and personal success is inspirational. I highly recommend working with him!”- Joe M., age 58, 5K runner

*Ken is a graduate of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) curriculum. He can be reached at [email protected] and at (508) 314-1826. Please visit his website at runcoachken.com for more information.

Ken Jeffery

30/03/2025

Unlock the Potential of Your Property with Accessory Dwelling Units by Tassinari Construction

The statewide legalization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Massachusetts has opened exciting opportunities for homeowners to enhance their properties. The Tassinari family is ready to help Plymouth residents embrace this new trend.
Barry, Rebecca, and Ryan Tassinari bring years of experience, a passion for craftsmanship, and a strong commitment to their community. As trusted local builders, they take pride in working closely with homeowners to design and build ADUs tailored to each family’s unique needs and lifestyle.

What Are ADUs?
ADUs, also known as in-law apartments, backyard cottages, or granny flats, are secondary housing units built on the same lot as your primary residence. These versatile structures are ideal for multi-generational living, rental income opportunities, or additional space for work or leisure.

How Much Do ADUs Cost?
An ADU costs approximately $150 to $300 per square foot on average. The average-sized ADU is between 600 and 1,200 square feet, but your building's size may vary with personal preferences.

Detached vs. Attached ADUs
Homeowners can choose between a detached ADU for complete privacy or an attached unit that connects seamlessly to the primary home. Both options offer distinct advantages, and the Tassinari family will guide you through the decision making process to ensure your ADU aligns with your vision and property layout.

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Navigating the new ADU legislation in Massachusetts can be overwhelming, but the Tassinari team makes it easy. Barry, Rebecca, and Ryan handle everything from design and permitting to construction to ensure that your project complies with state and local regulations. Their expertise guarantees a smooth, stress-free experience for Plymouth homeowners.

Why Build an ADU Now?
With major legislative barriers removed, there has never been a better time to invest in an ADU. These structures boost property value while offering functional solutions for today’s lifestyle needs. Whether you want to keep loved ones close, create a quiet workspace, or generate additional income, the Tassinari family can bring your ADU vision to life in just a few months.

Please contact us today to discover how an ADU can transform your property. Please visit tassinariconstruction.com, or call (508) 747-2255 to schedule a free consultation and start building your dream ADU!

Tassinari Construction, Inc.

29/03/2025

Makers, Crafters & Artists

ChocolaChi & Chocolate Nana: Artistry & Craftsmanship Meet Indulgence

Article and photos by Tara Woomer

Little did we know when we set out to feature chocolatiers that we would find not one but two who have chocolate factories in their homes! We’re talking W***y Wonka right here in Plymouth! We would love to feature more chocolate, candy, jam, jelly, soup, guacamole, or salsa makers and any other yummy food makers in Plymouth in future editions. Please email [email protected] with any suggestions. Now on to the bonbons!

ChocolaChi

Nadja S. Andrade just might be the most highly educated chocolatier in the world! With a B.S. in Chemistry from Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil, a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Nadja knows her way around a lab. Years ago, Nadja baked tons of pies and breads, sold them to her colleagues and friends, and donated the proceeds to various animal shelters. Soon truffles were added to the mix, and they became an instant hit. Not long after, ChocolaChi was born.
“Everyone was asking for more. Chocolate is very interesting. It’s temperamental and hard to work with, but it’s almost infinite what you can do with it. I went down the rabbit hole with chocolate pretty quickly. There’s so much to learn,” said Nadja.
A few years ago, she brought some samples of her homemade, hand-painted, artisanal chocolates to the owner of Beacon Hill Chocolates located at 91 Charles Street in Boston, and the rest is chocolate history.
“The owner really liked them, and it became a massive snowball! That Christmas, I made 2,000 chocolates for her. At the time, we were living in a tiny apartment with a tiny kitchen. For months there were no cooked meals coming out of my kitchen. Everything was for the chocolates!” said Nadja.
Her business grew so much that she and her husband Tyler, their rescue dog Gravy, their cat Mia, and all of Nadja’s chocolate making paraphernalia outgrew their tiny apartment.
“We basically started looking for a house because we needed a chocolate room!” said Nadja.
Bonbons, chocolate bars, hot cocoa bombs, chocolate turtles, and just about anything chocolate can be made by Nadja.
“Everything is handcrafted, hand painted, and fully customized. Whatever someone needs, I can make it happen. I do private events, corporate party favors, wedding favors, showers, birthday parties, anything. I can do any design. The sky is the limit! I would also like to sell to local stores in Plymouth,” said Nadja.
Her bonbons come in multiple flavors such as salted caramel pecan, salted caramel, Key lime pie, blackberry with white ganache, apple pie, champagne, raspberry, vanilla ganache with Oreo, maple caramel crunch, coffee, dulce de leche, s’mores, cookie butter, pecan praline, hazelnut, honey whisky, passion fruit, pumpkin pie, and pistachio. She also makes her own caramel from scratch, makes her own stencils that she uses to decorate her chocolates with, and paints tiny little scenes and critters on her chocolates. One features a tiny snowman in a snowy scene. Another bunch feature poker chips and cards for a Casino Royale theme.
“We really do have a chocolate factory. The greatest joy for me is seeing the happiness my creations bring to customers and knowing my chocolates brighten their day. Then they taste them and say that it’s an experience. I’m like mission accomplished! I make something that makes people smile.That’s the part that I like: making people smile!” said Nadja.

*Nadja would like to thank Tyler for his endless taste testing and chocolate delivery skills and Emerald City Kitchen & Bath located at 2307 State Road for donating a gorgeous slab of marble to her chocolate factory. Nadja can be reached at (786) 719-4085, at [email protected], and at chocolachi.com. ChocolaChi donates a portion of their profits to animal rescues and shelters.

Chocolate Nana

Tina Webber’s chocolate making business is most definitely a family affair. Her grandson Waylon named the business, her husband built her chocolate factory, her sons Donny & Michael are the official taste testers, and her soon to be daughter in law, Chloe, created all of the beautiful graphics and handles marketing. Tina’s stepson, stepdaughter, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law are also on taste testing and flavor suggestion duty.
Tina’s peanut and tree nut allergies, which were not diagnosed until she was 28, led her to concoct treats that were safe for her to eat, and not long after, Chocolate Nana was created.
“We were on vacation a few years ago, and I really wanted to try some of the artisan bonbons that we saw. My husband did not want me to spend vacation in the hospital because of my allergies, so I did not try them. After that, I was determined to learn how to make artisan bonbons!” said Tina.
Nothing can stop Chocolate Nana once she puts her mind to something. Not only did she learn how to make delicious, handcrafted bonbons, but she also entered an Entrepreneurship for All (E for All) contest on the Cape and won first place!
“That was an amazing experience! I had to pitch my business which was scary. It’s a whole new thing. I’ve worked in a lab for thirty years,” said Tina.
Well, pitch it she did. Her experience with E for All gave her the confidence that yes, her chocolates were ready to hit the market. Tina now sells her handcrafted bonbons, brigadeiros, hot cocoa bombs, peppermint bark, and other delicious sweets online and at various farmer’s markets and pop-ups. She sells out constantly and almost cannot keep up with her production demands.
Tina’s brigadeiros are a smashing success.
“I made so many of them during Covid and donated the money to food banks. They’re a Brazilian treat,” said Tina.
With a Thai / Irish background, Tina grew up cooking and baking with her mother and her grandmother. Although Tina’s talents with chocolate are new, she does have a long history of creating delicious baked goods and meals.
“My Nana always made peanut butter balls, penuche, whoopie pies, and buckeyes. My mother always made laap, pad Thai curry, and spring rolls,” said Tina.
Tina’s bonbons come in mango passion fruit, cookie butter, vanilla bean, Snowy Owl Coffee, s'mores, salted caramel. Key lime, and chocolate cookie crunch.
“They are artisanal, small-batch, handcrafted chocolates,” said Tina.
They are also scrumptious!
“I am very excited about doing something that brings me joy and passion!” said Tina.

*Tina would like to thank her entire family for everything they have taught her and everything they have done to support her chocolate making journey and business. She can be reached at (508) 322-1692 and at [email protected].

Thank you to our page sponsors:
Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation
South Shore Autoworks
Scholastic-Advisors

20/07/2024

Sweet Remembrances

Article and photos by Tara Woomer

“Memories grow in a garden.”-Barbara Gauley

Barbara and Don Gauley have tended their flower garden in West Plymouth for forty-seven years, and every little corner holds a beautiful memory. We visited the garden twice, and on our second visit, a nest of baby birds had hatched, peach blossoms had bloomed into tiny fruit, and dormant roses were in bloom.
Barbara’s love of gardening began at the age of five when a neighbor taught her how to plant portulaca.
“She had a beautiful little garden and took me under her wing. She taught me the basics,” said Barbara.
Barbara started her own garden with marigolds. Every planting since has been trial and error.
“I first grew marigolds. They grow pretty easily. You learn placement and what colors to put next to each other as you go along,” said Barbara.
Flowers, ground cover, trees, tomatoes, a lemon tree, a peach tree, and herbs make up Barbara’s garden now. Garden pests such as turkeys, rabbits, and chipmunks are an awful nuisance, and ivy has overstayed its welcome.
“A gardener always sees something else to be done. The ivy infiltrated the ground, smothers my roses, and has a mind of its own!” said Barbara.
Many of her plantings and garden ornaments were gifts from family and friends. A story accompanies each flower bed and decorative object.
“A special part of gardening is sharing plants with friends and family. When I receive one, I always remember who gave it to me, and likewise I’m sure. Sunflowers were a gift from a friend, lily of the valley is from my grandmother’s house, these two river birch trees were a birthday gift, this birdhouse was a sixtieth birthday gift, a friend made us this metal sunflower sculpture, and this stone was in my husband’s yard when he was growing up. It has a lot of history,” said Barbara.
She also has a flower pot from her grandmother that now holds dahlias.
“It was my mother’s favorite flower. Gardening is so sentimental,” said Barbara.
One of Barbara’s favorite parts of her garden is a bed of purple irises.
“These were from my friend’s father’s garden. These came back up from last year. Hers died. I divided them and gave some back to my friend. They’re so meaningful and remind her of her father,” said Barbara.
There is also longevity in her garden. Weigela has survived for over twenty years, rhododendrons are thirty-five years old, and twin river birch trees have grown from twenty feet to sixty.
A window box on their shed holds petunias, geraniums, and sweet potato vines. Forsythia and rosa rugosa have claimed prime real estate in the garden. A relocated hydrangea is covered in flowers for the first time in years.
Tomato plants, parsley, scallions, basil, and lemon thyme grow in the back of the garden. A lemon tree that was a Mother’s Day gift from Barbara’s daughter is weighted down with luscious fruit. Crabapple trees, hibiscus, and zinnias are scattered throughout.
“If you don’t feel good, and you go out in the garden, you feel close to nature and God. It’s beautiful. All I did was dig a hole,” said Barbara.
A rain chain winds down from their side steps; next to it is a tiny nest hidden in the leaves filled with newly hatched baby birds. Resting in the front of the garden is a tiny log cabin that lights up at night. Chloe the neighborhood cat slept in it for years. Their garden is filled with beauty, wonder, mystery, magic, hard work, love, and precious memories. Barbara said that anyone can learn how to grow a garden with time, patience, and a whole lot of trial and error.
“I really enjoy doing this. I have a feel for it, but anybody can do this. Just start by putting a plant in the ground. We love flowers, we love gardening, and it’s something we have in common. It’s what we do,” said Barbara.

Thank you again to Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth for sponsoring the feature story each month.

Crystal Clear Pools
Kristin Vokey Muratore